SAT Scoring Information

Hi, anyone knows how much each question is worth on the SAT? Also, does it depend on the section of the test or is it the same for each part? Just trying to get an insight into how they get to the final score.

The SAT grading system is based on a equation—for every correct answer, you gain a raw point. However, your raw scores for each section (Math, Reading, and Writing and Language) does not directly translate into the scaled score (200-800 per section).

First, it is crucial to know that incorrect answers no longer deduct points from your score; it's been this way since 2016. Prior to 2016, a quarter of a point was deducted for each incorrect answer to discourage guessing. But now, you are encouraged to attempt every question as there's no penalty for incorrect answers.

The score conversion process is a bit complicated. Test designers use a statistical process called "equating," which ensures that a score for a test taken on one date is equivalent to a score from any other date. For example, scoring a 700 in Math in March should indicate the same level of ability as scoring a 700 in Math in May. This is to ensure fairness as the difficulty of each test might slightly vary.

For example, in Math, which consists of 44 questions, a raw score of 44 (correct answers to all questions) might equate to a perfect scaled score of 800. But a raw score of 43 could equate to a scaled score of 790.

In Reading and Writing and Language, which consists of 54 questions in total, a raw score of 54 (correct answers to all questions) might equate to a perfect scaled score of 800.

After scaled scores are calculated for both Math and EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing), these two scores are added together to get your overall SAT score, which ranges from 400 to 1600.

So, in essence, it's not really about how much each question is worth, but about the final conversion of your raw scores to a scaled score that matters. The best tactic is to attempt every question as your goal should be to get as many questions correct as possible. Keep in mind after Spring 2024, the SAT has shifted to a fully digital model, however, the scoring process remains the same.